Samaritan Medical Center awarded Primary Stroke Center Certification from The Joint Commission

Published on: June 19, 2026

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center has once again earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Primary Stroke Center Certification.

Samaritan Medical Center underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review on March 13, 2026. During the visit, a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management and delivering clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

This certification was initially obtained in 2020 and is re-certified every two years. Since the last recertification in early 2024, Samaritan Medical Center treated 245 stroke patients that year and 151 in 2025.

“Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend Samaritan Medical Center for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”

“We congratulate Samaritan Medical Center for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, the American Stroke Association. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”

“Maintaining our stroke certification reflects the dedication of our entire care team and our commitment to providing timely, high-quality stroke care,” says Dr. Mario Victoria, MD, chief medical officer, Samaritan Medical Center. “This recertification recognizes the work we do every day to ensure patients receive the best possible treatment close to home.”

For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.

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